Sooji halwa, also known as semolina halwa or sheera, is a popular and delicious Indian dessert made from semolina (sooji or rava), ghee (clarified butter), sugar, and water. It’s often flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts such as almonds and cashews. Here’s a simple recipe for making amazing sooji halwa:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sooji (semolina)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A handful of chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, etc.)
- Raisins for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Roast the Sooji:
- Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat.
- Add sooji to the pan and roast it until it turns golden brown. Stir continuously to ensure even roasting and prevent burning.
- Prepare Sugar Syrup:
- In a separate saucepan, heat water and sugar together to make a syrup. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Combine Sooji and Sugar Syrup:
- Slowly add the sugar syrup to the roasted sooji, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook the Mixture:
- Keep stirring the mixture on low to medium heat until it thickens. The sooji will absorb the sugar syrup and start to leave the sides of the pan.
- Add Cardamom Powder and Nuts:
- Add cardamom powder to the halwa for flavor. Also, mix in the chopped nuts. Reserve a few for garnishing.
- Garnish:
- Once the halwa reaches the desired consistency and the ghee starts to separate from the mixture, remove it from heat.
- Garnish with the remaining nuts and, if you like, some raisins.
- Serve Warm:
- Sooji halwa is best enjoyed warm. Serve it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful combination.
This recipe can be easily customized based on your preferences. Some people like to add saffron for color and additional flavor. Others might include a bit of milk to make it creamier. Adjust the sugar quantity to suit your taste. Sooji halwa is not only delicious but also quick and easy to make, making it a perfect dessert for special occasions or when you’re craving something sweet.
